When I first heard about Benson and Claire, it really hit home for me. (Especially these videos of little Claire.) Partly because their dad, Jared, is from my little hometown, and his family lives just down the road from mine, but partly, because I'm a mom. And my heart just breaks for every mom, every parent, or grandparent that has to go through something like this.
From their family blog:
Benson and Claire were born with a rare genetic disease in which their liver produces too much oxalate--called primary hyperoxaluria. Claire's condition has progressed much faster than Benson's. She has been on dialysis since she was 3 months old and is on dialysis 3 hours a day, 6 days a week. She is now on the waiting list to receive a combined kidney / liver transplant. It is expected Benson will eventually need similar transplants.
Benson and Clarie are part of the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA). This non-profit charity helps children in need of life-saving transplants by organizing volunteers to raise funds for transplant-related expenses. With the cost of a transplant often exceeding $500,000, transplant patients are unable to shoulder the financial burden of such a procedure. Please visit www.cotaforbensonandclaires.com for more information about COTA and Benson and Claire's medical journey. Consider donating even a small amount to help this family through a dual kidney / liver transplant for two children. 100% of all funds raised are used for the kid's transplant-related expenses.
So to (hopefully) raise some money to help them out, (I mean, really- look at those smiles) I am going to auction off one of my all time favorite quilts, Wild Thing. This is the actual quilt on the pattern cover, measures 58" x 64", and it was pieced, quilted and bound by me. It is soft and snuggly, and in perfect shape, as it has been traveling in trunk shows to different quilt stores. It has been freshly washed and smells delicious. :-)
If you would like this quilt (and patten with it on the cover) to come live with you, here's what you do. In the comments section, leave a bid, bigger than the bid in the previous comment. Push publish comment. Smile. :-) Oh, and spread the word!
The silent auction will start now and go through November 9 at 6 pm PST. There is also a silent auction for many other wonderful services and products over at the Give Hope for Benson and Claire Auction website that their family and friends have set up to help them.
If you aren't able to bid on the quilt or other items, please consider donating even a few dollars by going to this link. I know every dollar and every prayer is going to an amazing little family, and is appreciated more than we can imagine. Thank you in advance!
Now go hug and kiss your kids. Really, right now. And tell them you love them. I know I will.
